Main navigation

Reviews

Do you want one clean cleaner that can clean your floors, kitchen surfaces and bathroom surfaces? A 2 in 1 steam mop and handheld steam cleaner may be your best solution.

I have spent over thirty-five hour studying customer reviews and manufacturers manuals to identify the best-combined steam mop and hand held steam cleaner for you.

Following this research, I am confident that the Vax S86-SF-C Steam Fresh Combi 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner at Amazon is the best-combined steam mop and cleaner for most people. The steam mop and handheld both heat up quickly in 30 seconds and have a steaming run time of approximately 12 minutes which is sufficient for most jobs.

The runner up and a close second hand held steam cleaner is the Vax Steam Mop S7 2-in-1 Upright and Handheld Steam Cleaner. It is a steam only 2in 1 and does not have all the features and tools of the best buy.

Why you should trust me

I have been researching and reviewing all types of 2 in 1 steam mops and hand held steam cleaners for the last five years. While writing the best buy guide, I have looked at dozens of customer reviews to identify any problems with particular models. In addition, I have read the manufacturer’s user models to compare specifications.

Different categories of steam mop

There are four types of steam mop or cleaner

Steam Mop

2 in 1 Steam Mop and Handheld

Hand held Steam Cleaner

Cylinder Steam Cleaner

In this guide, we are looking at only 2 in 1 steam mops and handheld steam cleaners. If you are interested in other steam mop guides just click on the above relevant link.

How I picked and tested

The 2 in 1 steam mops are the most popular category of steam mop. As a result there are a large number on the market. All of the major brands have at least half a dozen different models. Vax alone seems to bring out a new model nearly every month. This makes choosing a best buy and budget buy a difficult process. Because these models are more complicates to manufacture and assemble, there are fewer unbranded models than in the other categories. As before, I have concentrated by research on the top selling branded models. I have not included 2 in 1 steam mops where they score less than four stars or the equivalent in an online review. I have found that poor rating are a result of design faults or inconsistent quality. The price of 2 in 1 models can range from £40 to £100.

As part of my research, I have looked also looked at other professional review sites. Unfortunately, many of these reviews are out of date and do not reflect the current versions of particular models sold today. Both the best buy – Vax S86-SF-C and budget buy Vax S7 are currently in the top five bestselling models on Amazon.

I was going to recommend a high-end handheld steamer. By high end, I mean more expensive, but with more features and a more powerful performance. However, even after hours of research I have been unable to find a better steamer than the Vax S86-SF-C.

Best 2 in 1 Steam Mop & Hand Held Steam Cleaner Buy

The Vax S86 SF C Steam Fresh Combi 15 in 1 Steam Cleaner is currently the best 2 in 1 steam mop on the market today. This is because it combines a steam mop with a detachable hand held steam cleaner.

It comes with fifteen tools, which enables you to blast away all the dirt and grease from your floor and other tough to clean surfaces including hobs, upholstery and grout.

The steam cleaner uses a combination of steam and detergent to tackle dirt and stains leaving a fresh citrus smell.

Who is the steam mop designed for?

This combi 2 in 1 steam mop and handheld is ideal for those customers who want a complete solution to their cleaning using the power of steam. They can use the steam mop to clean their hard floor surfaces and refresh carpets. After cleaning the floors, you can simply detach the handheld to complete steam cleaning of other surfaces, such as tiles and oven hobs.

Vax S86-SF-C Steam Fresh Combi 15 in 1 Steam Cleaner Performance

The Vax Steam Fresh Combi Cleaner is easy to assemble. You simply press the main body down into the floor head until it snaps into place. Then press the handle down into the main body so it also snaps into place.

The instructions are easy to follow consisting of diagrams with captions which contain the written instructions.

Vax S86-SF-C Steam Fresh Combi 15 in 1 Steam Cleaner Features

Delivery – The steam mop arrives quickly. It is well packaged and arrived in perfect condition.

Assembly – The Vax Steam Fresh Combi is easy to set up when unpacked from the box. To use, remove the water tank, fill it with 260 ml water and replace the tank. Next, fill the detergent tank with 50ml of Vax steam detergent and 150 ml of water.

Good instruction book – The instruction book is clear and easy to understand. They are in the form of pictures and a little text to accompany the pictures. Which explains how to assemble, use and features of the steam mop.

Variable steam settings – This steam mop comes with a floor selector. This allows the mop to release the correct amount at steam and detergent according to the floor type. You can use the steam mop for cleaning different floor types including sealed wood, laminate, tiles and stone. Also used to refresh carpets and rugs.

Trigger mechanism – This steam mop operates by using a trigger control. To release the steam you press the trigger, to stop the steam you release the trigger. For most effective use of the steam, you should use short bursts of steam. This will help to create a clean dry finish to your surfaces.

Heats up quickly and long running time – The mop heats up to generate steam within 30 seconds of switching on. It allows you to steam for up to 12 minutes.

Use detergent – Vax have specially designed detergent for use with this steam mop. The detergent works with the steam to help break down grease and grime. The combination leaves a sealer on the floor, which stops dirt, and bacteria build up for up to seven days. The vax detergents come in the following scents Spring Fresh, Ocean Breeze and Lime Zest. You also have the alternative to use just steam only when cleaning.

Power cord – The steam mop comes with a long power cord. This is 8 metres long and a purple colour. The colour means that it is easy to avoid tripping over when in use. In addition, because of its length you can clean more than one room at a time without unplugging the steam mop.

Mop head – The mop head is angular in shape, which makes it easy to clean in corners and right up to the skirting board. The mop head also has a scrub head, which is made of bristles, which will remove marks without damaging the floors. The design of the mop distributes the steam evenly through the mop head.

Tools and accessories – The angular mop head enables it to get into corners and difficult spaces. You can also use the scrub brush to agitate and remove difficult dirt and hard to remove stains. A 10-piece tool kit comes with the mop. The tools can be stored on the back of the steam mop.

Hard water filter scale remover – The mop comes with a hard water filter, you can have replaced. In addition if you use the Vax detergent this contains water softener, which will extend the life of the machine.

Handheld steam cleaner – To convert the Vax S86-SF-C Steam Cleaner to the handheld, just detach it from the steam mop. All the technology is located in the handheld including the power cord. The handheld is lightweight, easy to use and compact. Once detached you can clean above floor kitchen and bathroom surfaces including tiles and windows. It comes with tools used to clean many surfaces throughout the house.

Drawbacks

Some customers complained that to release steam you have to keep the steam button held down all the time with one hand. This leaves only one hand free to do your cleaning. The hose is a bit long and therefore hard to manoeuvre especially for close work.

Some customers also complained that the cleaning tools wore out a little quickly

Customer Reviews

Most customers are happy will the performance of the Vax S86-SF-C. There have been some complaints about the weight of the machine and experience of pushing it around the floor. There have also been some complaints about the quality of the tools provided. Mainly that once used they do not last very long.

Summary

The Vax S86-SF-C Steam Mop and handheld cleaner is a good solid steam cleaner. I am recommending this model as the best buy in the 2 in 1 combi section for steam mops.

Runner Up 2 in 1 Steam Mop & Hand Held Steam Cleaner Buy

I am recommending the Vax S7 2 in 1, if you only require it for occasion use or as a start-up mop. It is easy to assemble and use. It heats up, is ready to steam in 20 seconds, and has a 12 minute run time. In addition, it has a good tank capacity of 0.4 litre. It does a satisfactory job of cleaning your floor and above floor surfaces.

Because this is a budget mop, it does not have all the features of the best buy. Unlike the Vax S86-SF-C, there is no variable steam control or extra scrubbing brush set into the mop head. However, it still has all the essential features required for a required by a 2 in 1 combi cleaner. I can therefore recommend it as your budget buy.

The Other 2 in 1 Steam Mops I considered

I have included below brief comments on some of the other 2 in 1 steam mop and handheld steam cleaners I have considered. These are 2 in 1 combi mops, which are good but have not made best buy status.

Vax S86-SF-CC Steam Fresh Combi Classic 10-in-1 Handheld and Steam Mop – This is a good mop for cleaning all floors and above floor surfaces. Very similar to the best buy, Vax S86-SF-C 15 in. Main difference cable length is slightly shorter only 7 metres as opposed to 8 metres.

Morphy Richards 720020 9-in-1 Steam Cleaner – a popular model with a large water tank capacity of 400ml. Unlike the best buy, it is a steam only cleaner. The power card is also rather short, only being 5 metres in length.

Dirt Devil 11-in-1 Steam Cleaner – this is another popular model. However, the water tank at 0.33 litre is rather on their small size. The power cord is again only 5 metres in length.

Table of Contents

Why you should trust me

I have been researching and reviewing all types of hand held steam cleaners for the last five years. While writing this best buy guide, I have looked at scores of customer reviews to identify any problems with particular models. In addition, I have read the manufacturer’s user models to compare specifications.

Different types of steam mop

There are four types of steam mop or cleaner

Steam Mop

2 in 1 Steam Mop and Handheld

Hand Held Steam Cleaner

Cylinder Steam Cleaner

In this guide, I have just looked at hand held steam cleaners. If you are interested in other steam mop guides just click on the relevant link.

How I picked and tested

There are a large number of hand held steam cleaner on the market. While researching, I have found complaints of poor quality with some of the cheaper unbranded models. Therefore, I have concentrated my research on the better brand models. In addition, I have not included steam cleaners where they score less than four stars or equivalent in a review. Generally, poorer rating are a result of design faults or inconsistent quality. The prices can range from roughly £20 for the cheapest model to £50 for the more expensive models.

As part of my research, I have looked at other professional review sites. Unfortunately, there is has been little work done comparing different hand held steam cleaners. The Which magazine recommends Vax S4 as their best model. This model is also the current beat seller on Amazon UK.

I was going to recommend a high-end handheld steamer. By high end, I mean more expensive, but with more features and a more powerful performance compensate this. However, even after hours of research I have been unable to find a better steamer than the Hoover SSNH1000.

Because of my research, I am recommending the Hoover SSNH1000 Steam Express as best buy. The runner up is the Vax S4 Grime Master.

Best Hand Held Steam Cleaner Buy

Following intensive research, I have concluded that the Hoover SSNH1000 is the best hand held steam cleaner in the current market. It only takes 20 seconds to heat up. Also with a water tank, capacity of 0.4 litres gives you a running time of at least 12 minutes. This amount of time is sufficient for most small jobs. It comes with a flexible hose this is useful for cleaning.

The runner up, Vax S4 Grime Master does not come with a hose. This makes cleaning difficult, as you are unable to tilt the cleaner, as the heating element is located on the base. You can check out further the Hoover SSN1000 Steam Express at Amazon.

Who is the steam mop designed for?

This hand held steam cleaner is for customers who require a simple to use and well designed hand steam cleaner. These steam cleaners are suitable for cleaning small surface areas like kitchen surfaces, the oven hob and the inside of ovens, tiles and harder to reach areas in the house. If you also require a steam cleaner for your floors please see the Best 2 in 1 Steam Mop and Handheld Guide. This guide find the best steam mops which also in incorporates a hand held steam cleaner.

Hoover SSNH1000 Steam Express Handheld Steam Cleaner Performance

The steamer has a comfortable handle and balances well in the hand. The Hoover Steam express heats up quickly to steaming point taking only about 20 seconds to heat up. The water tank has a capacity of 0.4 litres and it has a steaming time of approximately 12 minutes.

It has two power settings and it also comes with a long lead. There are two stem settings; the higher one will mean that the water runs out quicker. However, the advantage of this steam cleaner is that it is easy to refill when the water runs out.

It is good at cleaning grime because of the specially adapted nozzle. This is good for cleaning the grime on ovens. It comes with various tools including an angled nozzle, a round brush, comb brushes, and shovel shaped plate. The lead is approximately 4 meters in length.

Hoover SSNH1000 Steam Express Handheld Steam Cleaner Features

Delivery – The handheld steamer arrived promptly. As usual, the steamer was well packaged.

Assembly – Easy to assemble. You just have to fit an attachment or the flexible hose to the front of the steamer.

Clear instruction book – The instruction are in the form of pictures with text to follow. The text is a little unclear but the unit is not complicated to operate.

Water tanks – The water tank has a capacity of 0.4 litres. This is large for a handheld. This gives it an extended steam run time of 12 minutes. Which I find sufficient for most small jobs. In addition, it only takes 20 seconds to heat up.

Variable steam settings – The steam cleaner has a dial with which you can vary the steam pressure. It has a high and low pressure setting. The high setting gives you more pressure but means the steaming time is shorter. However, is useful when you want to give a quick burst of steam on a difficult surface to clean.

Trigger mechanism – You control the steam by a trigger, which you press when you require steam and then release when you need the steam to stop.

Heats up quickly and long running time – The steam cleaner only takes approximately 20 second to heat up. It has a run time of 12 minutes because of the large 0.4 litre tank capacity.

Power cord – The cleaner comes with a long cable cord length of 4 metres. This is the longest cable I have seen for hand held cleaners.

Tools and accessories – The cleaner comes with a good range of tools. However, customers have complained that some of these tools can be a little flimsy and wear or break easily.

Drawbacks

To steam continuously you need to hold down the trigger, if you release it the steam stops. Several customers have complained that the tools that come with the steam cleaner are not very robust.

Alternative Solutions

There are other steam cleaners on the market. The Vax S4 Grime Master came a close second to the Hoover SSNH1000. The main disadvantage is that it does not come with a flexible hose. The hose allows you to use the steam cleaner at an angle, which is essential when cleaning most surfaces.

Customer Reviews

Most of the customers who brought this model are satisfied with its performance.

Some of the complaints that do arise are due to the user not understanding the function of the steam cleaner. Such complaints like those that the steam runs out quickly. However the hand held steam cleaner are for cleaning relatively small areas.

Summary

This hand held steam cleaner is Hoover’s best selling model. It has all the features required of a hand steam cleaner including a flexible hose, variable steam control, large tank to give longer steaming. Therefore, for these reasons it exceeds other steam cleaners in performance and features, I am recommending the Hoover SSN1000 Steam Express Handheld Steam Cleaner as our best buy.

Runner Up Hand Held Steam Cleaner Buy

This is the Vax S4 Grime Master. Which is an easy to use lightweight steam cleaner. It was easy to assemble and use. Not a powerful handheld cleaner, but has a comfortable handle to hold. However, the water task has enough capacity to get several small jobs done. It is compact and easy to store with a good cable length.

The handheld comes with several useful attachments. This includes a circular brush, a window cleaning attachment and two attachable flannels for cleaning furniture.

The Vax S4 Grime Master heats up quickly and is ready to use in a couple of minutes. There are several steam setting to those from. The instructions which come with it are in the form of pictures and easy to understand.

The water tank as stated is rather small and only takes a couple of cups of water. However, this is sufficient for smaller jobs. It is only suitable for light cleaning and does not clean grime very easily. You have to keep the steamer needs to be kept level to clean properly, so is difficult to use to clean at angles.

Customers said it was quite good for cleaning windows using the window attachment.

The Other Steam Mops I considered

I have included below brief comments on the other hand held steam cleaners. These are hand held steam cleaners, which did not quite meet the grade.

Beldray Handheld Steam Cleaner – This is a good model for cleaning small areas and surfaces. The tank capacity is only 220mil, which is lower than the Hoover handheld. Because of the small capacity, it does mean you have to refill more often. There are attachments that come with this model but they are not that robust.

Quest Handheld Steam Cleaner – a popular model but it does suffer from a small tank. This means you have to frequently refill the tank. However, it comes with a cup and funnel, so refilling is easy.

BISSELL 2635s Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaner – another popular model again the water tank is rather small. However, it does come with a flexible hose and a long power cord.

The spray will effectively remove black and brown stains caused by mould, algae and fungus.

Good for keeping your bathroom free of mould and removing patches of mould from other parts of the house.

The product received Good Housekeeping accreditation in 2011.
The Dutch Company HG international who produces a range of domestic cleaning products manufactures the mould spray. They claim that it will remove all black mould spots.
For further information go to Amazon where there are many five star, HG Mould Spray Reviews among over 1200 reviews at Amazon.[Read more…] about Is HG Mould Spray the Best on the Market?

Are you looking for a good value for money steam mop? Do you want one, which also easily converts into a handheld steamer? The 6 in 1 Efbe Schott Steam Mop is a mop that can do just that.
It is a very well designed quality mop. Which is one of the easiest to transform into a handheld steamer. This is why is is also known as the Steam Mop Transformer. It does this just by simply clicking and lifting it off the handle. It is lightweight, portable and ready to use in 30 seconds See more details in the following review.[Read more…] about 6 in 1 Efbe Schott Steam Mop Review → Very Good Value

Categories

Steam Mop Reviews is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.